An out-of-control truck kills 13 people after running them over during a Hindu festival in India

A truck kills 13 people during a Hindu festival in India October 18, 2026A truck traveling at high speed killed 13 people on Sunday (10/18/2026) when it ran over a crowd in the center of India during a Hindu festival, authorities reported. The truck, which was heavily loaded, reportedly lost control and ran over the devotees gathered in a temple in Gwalior, in the central state of Madhya Pradesh. The news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) cited sources from a local hospital saying that 13 people died in the accident. "I express my deep condolences to the grieving families and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured," posted the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, on social media. India, the world's most populous country with 1.4 billion inhabitants, recorded more than 183,000 deaths in road accidents in 2025, according to the Ministry of Road Transport. Many of these are due to poor road infrastructure, poorly maintained vehicles, and tired drivers, according to official figures. At least 19 dead in a stampede The country had already been shaken by another tragedy during a religious festival. At least 19 people died and several dozen were injured in a stampede recorded during the Durga Puja celebrations in Calcutta, as confirmed by the Police this Sunday, which arrested seven people linked to the organization and security of the venue, including the secretary and vice-president of the organizing committee, as well as those responsible for access control and private security personnel. The accident occurred Saturday night in one of the temporary pavilions set up in the north of the city for the Durga Puja, one of the major Hindu festivals in India, which attracts large crowds in West Bengal every year. These types of accidents are relatively common in India. The last similar one occurred last month. Don't let the algorithm hide the news. If you trust this site for reliable information, please take a moment to select us as your preferred source on Google: click here and check the box or press the DW.com button to always see our verified news in your preferences. lgc (afp, efe, rtr)